THE EUROPEAN CULTURAL CAPİTAL OF 2010: ISTANBUL

I am proud that our Government has initiated many cultural reforms. Supporting Istanbul's candidature for 'The European Cultural Capital of 2010' is just one of these major initiative reforms. We believe that this significant cultural development project in time will ensure artistic, cultural and civic development for Istanbul and eventually for Turkey. Also, 'The European Cultural Capital of 2010: Istanbul' will act as a publicity campaign for the international representation of our country. This project is the first in Turkish history, to create a working platform between the government, local authorities and non-governmental organizations.

In my capacity as the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the project, I joined the Board of Directors last month's visit to Brussels for presentation of Istanbul as candidate. We were welcomed with warm hearts and earnest desires for Istanbul to accomplish this important mission. The previous month we were there again with Mayor of Istanbul Mr. Kadir Topbas, Governor of Istanbul Mr. Muammer Guler and President of the Board of Directors Mr. Nuri Colakoglu, to announce our candidacy and to reinforce support from the involved parties. In February we will continue our efforts in Brussels and hopefully have Istanbul declared as the 2010 European Culture Capital. I will keep you updated.